Finally, NASS Holds Public Hearing on Landmark Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill on Monday
The stage is set for a pivotal public hearing at the National Assembly (NASS) on Monday, November 10, 2025, for the National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill, 2025, a landmark legislation designed to provide the legal backbone for Nigeria’s comprehensive digital transformation.
The one-day public hearing will take place at the Senate Conference Room 022, National Assembly Complex, according to an official notice signed by Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, and Honourable Adedeji Stanley Olajide, Chairman of the House Committee on Digital and Information Technology (ICT).
Tech Digest reports that if passed into law, the Bill could be as transformative for Nigeria’s digital economy as the telecom liberalization of 2001, setting the stage for a fully digital governance framework.
Key Highlights of the Bill
The Bill introduces several key provisions aimed at modernizing governance, boosting commerce, and fostering digital skills:
Legal Recognition of Digital Signatures (Section 15): Electronic signatures will be legally valid if secure, unique, and tamper-evident. This is expected to streamline contracts and transactions, boosting Nigeria’s role in global digital trade.
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Retention in Electronic Form (Section 4): Documents and records can now be legally kept in electronic form, enabling paperless governance, reducing costs, and promoting cloud-based archiving.
Nigeria Data Exchange (Section 46): Establishes a centralized platform for government agencies to share data, which aims to break data silos and integrate services such as tax, health, and identity management.
Innovation, Accountability, and Workforce Development
The legislation also mandates strategic reforms for accountability and future readiness:
Ethical AI Principles (Section 63): AI development must comply with fairness, transparency, and accountability standards. It also mandates AI Risk Classification (Section 65) for proportionate regulation.
Mandatory Disclosure by Online Suppliers (Section 40): e-Commerce platforms must provide clear business information regarding identity, pricing, and policies, an effort to strengthen consumer rights and trust in online trade.
Recognition of Non-Traditional Certifications (Section 58): Online learning and bootcamp certificates must be accepted for employment and training.
Experts told Tech Digest that the Bill, if passed, will reduce corruption through transparent digital processes, enhance efficiency in governance and commerce, and align Nigeria with global norms in e-governance and data exchange.
By PRNigeria
